Orphans of the Storm® Big and Bigger Dogs

We have quite the lineup for you today! It was a beautiful weekend and the dogs at Orphans of the Storm® were all eager to spend some time outside. Six of the seven new dogs I met were big (or extra-big), so if you’re looking for a larger new companion, now is the time to come in to the shelter!

Smalls the three-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix isn’t small in any sense, actually. This big, lovable boy is a sweetheart whose tail wags pretty much constantly. We first spent time in the off-leash run, where Smalls had a good time romping and exploring and sniffing the dogs on the other side of the fence. He wasn’t too interested in playing fetch, but maybe he could learn when he has a yard to call his own!

Smalls knows to smile for the camera

Smalls will give you plenty of affection once he gets to know you. He gave me some doggy kisses when I was kneeling next to him and was happy to stand by my side as long as I was petting him. He has a big, adorable face and when he smiles, you just have to smile back! We then went for a walk around the woodland preserve trail and it turns out that Smalls is an excellent walking buddy who barely pulls at all. Stop by soon to see if Smalls is the one for you!

Smalls in the sunshine

Chun-Li the two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is this week’s smallest dog. She’s like a miniature version of her breed, if such a thing existed. Although I personally didn’t try, Chun-Li is definitely small enough to carry. There were several people who stopped and cooed when they saw how small and adorable Chun-Li is. But Chun-Li isn’t just about looks! She has a great personality to match.

I just want to put Chun-Li in my pocket!

Chun-Li is super affectionate. When I sat down on the ground, she climbed right into my lap and wiggled around until she got comfy. She also gave me lots of doggy kisses. At one point she tried to join me on the bench, but it seemed like a little too high of a jump for her. She was pretty polite when it came to sniffing dogs on the other side of the fence when we were in the off-leash run. A cutie-patootie like Chun-Li won’t be around for long, so come in soon to meet her!

Chun-Li says, “Help me up!”

Yeller the four-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever mix is a nice boy who mostly kept to himself, particularly at the beginning when we were still getting to know each other. We started in the off-leash run, where Yeller followed his nose around the whole perimeter. He would occasionally pass by me so I could scratch his back or under his chin.

Yeller enjoying the outdoors

Yeller is a big fan of going for walks, as opposed to just hanging out in a yard. He walks at a brisk pace, but doesn’t pull as long as you’re keeping up with him. He didn’t try to stray off the trail or chase any birds or squirrels; he just enjoyed being outside for a stroll. I tried to stop and take a break at one of the benches along the trail so we could sit and relax together, but Yeller just wanted to keep moving. If you’re looking for a new walking companion, definitely come in to meet Yeller!

Yeller often had his nose to the ground

Marley the four-year-old Great Dane/Labrador Retriever mix came to the shelter with Mia (see below) after their owners got divorced and neither felt they could care for both dogs. They are very much a bonded pair and would love to find a new home together. Marley falls into the “extra-big” category, but he’s still smaller than Mia! Marley is a playful pooch who was off and running as soon as he was out of his kennel (with the leash on, of course). He is too funny. There was a bumblebee flying around the off-leash run, and Marley was determined to catch it in his mouth. Luckily he was unsuccessful, but it was hilarious to see this giant dog chasing after a little bee. One of the staff members was just watching and laughing.

Marley likes to play

Marley is super snuggly. He may not be able to fit in your lap, but he’ll at least rest his head there while you scratch his ears. Whenever I knelt down to his level, he would quickly appear by my side and stand next to me while I pet him. He may look big and imposing, but he is a puppy at heart who just wants to love you and be loved in return. I’ve been telling anyone who will listen what a great dog Marley is. Come in soon to see for yourself!

Marley coming over to cuddle

Mia the nine-year-old Mastiff mix came to the shelter with Marley (see above) after their owners got divorced and neither felt they could care for both dogs. They are very much a bonded pair and would love to find a new home together. Mia is older, so she’s very mellow. We casually strolled over to the off-leash run, where Mia continued to take her time sniffing and exploring. I’m particularly fond of Mastiffs, so I just kept squealing about how wonderful she is!

Mia is so big and so sweet

Mia likes to get attention, but she isn’t pushy about it. She never strayed too far from me, and enjoyed getting a good scratch on her back and neck. At one point I was kneeling on the ground, and Marley came to stand on my right side while Mia stood on my left. I put my arms around both and felt like we were the perfect trio. Marley went to go explore some more, but Mia stayed by my side until I stood up. If you have the time and space for two big lovebugs, stop in soon to meet Mia and Marley!

Mia standing tall and proud

Duke the five-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound mix seems to have had at least some basic training, because he will come when called (which is particularly impressive for a Hound, who will usually just follow their nose!). He would be going in one direction, then I would call or whistle and he would change course and come right into my open arms. He has those big, floppy ears and soulful eyes that I just can’t resist.

Duke with his ears flapping in the wind

Duke is a sweetheart. When I was sitting on the bench, he squeezed his way underneath my legs and stood there for a long time while I pet him. He was always happy to take a break from exploring for a cuddle session. Duke is currently sharing a kennel with Lucy, so we know he gets along with other dogs and could go to a home with or without another dog. (However, he’s not as great with cats, since his breed is meant to hunt raccoons.) Be sure to say hi to Duke on your next visit to the shelter!

Duke has such a sweet face

Molly the two-year-old Labrador Retriever/Hound mix came from a family that had too many kids to care for a dog anymore. Molly could still go to a family home, but maybe one a little smaller so she gets the attention she deserves. Molly is still young, so she has plenty of energy and liked getting the chance to stretch her legs in the off-leash run. She’s a sweet girl with pretty coloring.

Molly keeping an eye on things

Molly already knows some basic training. Another volunteer was in the run with us, eating crackers. When Molly noticed this, she sat right at his feet and waited patiently for her “treat” (though she ended up not liking the cracker and didn’t eat it). Molly also hopped up on the bench next to me for some snuggling. She is currently sharing her kennel with Festus, so we know she gets along with other dogs. If you’re looking for a new family member who already has experience being part of a home, come in soon to meet Molly!